A Borders MP has reacted angrily to news that the Digital Switchover Help Scheme has made Sky the main equipment provider in the region.

Michael Moore MP has written to Culture Secretary Andrew Burnham complaining that Sky's contract put the Help Scheme's neutrality in doubt.

"By awarding this contract to Sky, and making the satellite option [Freesat from Sky] the default choice for my constituents, the Government has raised unprecedented questions about the switchover process."

The deal, he added, had handed Sky an "unprecedented" marketing opportunity which may or may not be in the public interest.

"This flies in the face of the protestations that the Government-instigated digital switchover process will not favour any particular television platform," he said.

However, Help Scheme operations director Tony Noakes said: "The Help Scheme chose Sky as the standard offer because it represents best value for money and a high-quality service for eligible people."

He stressed that the decision process was fair and thorough "with a level playing field for all the different ways of going digital".

Sky's satellite installation for those eligible for help will include a Sky+ box with hard disk for TV recordings and additional Sky TV channels free for two months.

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